Team Spotlight | MS & HS Cheer

Now in her third year coaching at LCA, Coach Yolanda Stansell has plenty to celebrate following an extraordinary summer at NCA Cheerleadership Camp. The varsity squad delivered outstanding performances, swept nearly every division, and earned top trophies in all but one category. However, the recognition that meant the most to Coach Stansell had nothing to do with their technical skills.

The team received the prestigious NCA Spirit Award, voted on by fellow cheerleaders at camp. Participants select the team that inspired and encouraged them most and the squad they would most want to join if they could choose another team.

"Our girls spent four days shining the light of Jesus everywhere they went and loved on everyone they came across, and it showed," shared Coach Stansell.

The varsity squad also helped host approximately 90 cheerleaders from across Western Washington for a Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders (FCC) camp on the LCA campus. The experience helped the Eagles build new friendships with athletes and coaches from Cedar Park Christian, leading to opportunities to cheer alongside them at two home football games.

And these athletes are just getting started! The LCA Varsity Cheer team is preparing for 10 competitions this season, plus cheering at volleyball, basketball, and wrestling.

Coach Jamie Erskine, also in her third year leading LCA cheer, is celebrating a season marked by remarkable growth, determination, and teamwork.

With a roster made up mostly of new cheerleaders, the middle school squad has embraced the challenge of learning new skills while building confidence and supporting one another. Returning athletes and alumni have played an important role in welcoming and encouraging newer teammates.

"They are learning that being a great teammate is just as important as being a great cheerleader," shared Coach Erskine.

Among the team's highlights was a trip to the University of Washington for Spirit Day, where the girls performed during halftime in front of thousands of spectators. The squad also participated in FCC Cheer Camp and has already demonstrated tremendous improvement during its sideline performances at LCA volleyball games.

Coach Erskine is particularly proud of the team's resilience. Many athletes balance cheer with other sports and activities, while several sixth graders are navigating their first year of middle school. Despite busy schedules and new challenges, the girls keep showing up ready to work, learn, and encourage their teammates.

The middle school competition squad is also training with an ambitious goal: qualifying for State this season!

While the middle school and high school squads have different experiences and competitive goals, both coaches share a commitment to developing strong athletes and exceptional young leaders.

Cheerleading demands tremendous strength, flexibility, coordination, and trust. From tumbling and stunting to synchronized routines and sideline performances, these athletes dedicate countless hours to mastering skills that require precision, communication, and teamwork.

Their impact extends beyond athletic performance. Through encouragement, sportsmanship, service, and faith, LCA cheerleaders demonstrate the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting impression on teammates, competitors, and spectators alike.

Come support our Eagles! Both squads have exciting competitions ahead, and our cheerleaders would love to see the LCA community in the stands. Watch the LCA events calendar and social media for upcoming competition dates and opportunities to cheer them on.